Reaction from the industry to licensing reform announcement
As the government confirmed its plans to make the biggest change in licensing laws for 90 years, key industry figures offer their reactions.
Nick Bish, chief executive of the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers:
"The announcement is at least 30 years overdue. It is overdue for publicans who are struggling against red tape and business restriction, it is overdue for customers and tourists who are confused as to when and where they can get a drink and it is overdue for residents who have no means to voice their concerns. We will be looking for the licensing bill to change all of that.
"As with all these things, the devil will be in the detail and we will be scrutinising the bill once it is published to see if it delivers what our members need."
John Brackenbury, chairman of Business in Sport and Leisure:
"I welcome the new licensing bill as a real sign of the government's commitment to deregulation. Quite apart from changes to licensing hours which are so confusing to tourists, I hope the bill will reduce costs and lift burdens on applicants for a liquor licence, which are currently outdated and bureaucratic."
Alex Salussolia, chairman of the Westminster Licensees' Association and managing director of Glendola Leisure:
"The case for reform is undeniable. The existing laws are confusing, costly and bureaucratic. Our members have to deal with both licensing magistrates and the local authority.
"In the case of Westminster, they have gone well beyond their remits, developed lengthy policy documents and imposed unreasonable conditions on operators.
"Our members want to see greater commercial flexibility, less red tape, cost and bureaucracy from reform. While we welcome the announcement of reform in principle, we remain to be convinced that the proposals will truly deliver this."
Karen Jones, chief executive of Spirit Group:
"Spirit welcomes the proposed changes to licensing laws outlined in the Queen's Speech as a step forward for the pub retailing industry in the UK.
"More flexible opening hours should reduce binge drinking and help to alleviate the disorder problems caused by the mass exodus of thousands of pub customers at 11.30pm.
"In a market where consumers are looking for more choice and flexibility we welcome the opportunity for our pubs to trade on the same basis enjoyed by our counterparts in other European countries."
Punch Pub Company commercial director Francis Patton:
"By moving away from fixed closing times, we will avoid the scenes of drunkenness which can be seen on many high streets at 11pm.
"I believe we will also see pubs making an informed choice about when they want to open. Seventy five per cent of our pubs are community locals and licensees running this type of pub will choose their opening hours to suit the community.
"Not all pubs will choose to open longer - in a survey of our licensees 57 per cent wanted to open longer hours - but less than one per cent would choose to open 24-hours a day."
Tim Clarke, chief executive of Six Continents and chairman of the British Beer & Pub Association:
"There is still a lot of work to be done. We need reform that brings speed and certainty and one that is cost effective. For most pubs this means the ability to trade for a few more hours at the weekend. Hopefully this should solve the problems associated with closing time which can often create negative images of the industry."
Related articles:
Public opinion on announcement of relaxed licening laws (14 November 2002)
The changes new licensing laws will bring and when (14 November 2002)
Licensing reform announced in Queen's Speech (13 November 2002)
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